A 30day 9,938km Trans-Siberian Train (21 Jun>21 Jul, 2024) Vladivostok in the east to St. Petersburg
Our last train ride in Russia: We left Moscow at 10 p.m. yesterday and arrived in Saint Petersburg at 6 a.m. today. Our local guide, Maria, was waiting to help us board a rental vehicle and take us to a 24-hour cafe near the famous St Kazan Cathedral for an early breakfast before embarking on a guided city tour.
Day 25 (July 15) Saint Petersburg on a guided walking city tour.
After breakfast, we walked along the Griboyedov canal, passing by Kazan Cathedral before crossing the canal via Griffin On Bank Bridge to our bus. From there, we rode 50 km to Peterhof Park and Gardens..
The Griboedov Canal is a tiny and twisting canal that runs through the heart of St. Petersburg, connecting the Fontanka and Moyka Rivers. Although the canal is only six kilometers long, it is crossed by more than 21 bridges. The canal is also well-known as the location where anarchist rebels murdered Russian Emperor Alexander II, surely one of the most high-profile terrorist assaults of the 19th century.
Kazan Cathedral, commonly known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, is a Russian Orthodox Church cathedral located on Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, one of Russia's most adored icons.
St. Petersburg's Bank Bridge is one of the world's most stunning pedestrian bridges, thanks to the magnificent golden-winged griffon statues by renowned local sculptor Pavel Sokolov. It is also the city's narrowest, measuring 1.85 meters, making it a little architectural marvel. The bridge is named after the Assignation Bank, one of Russia's earliest public banks.
Peterhof Park and Gardens is one of St. Petersburg's most well-known and popular visitor attractions. The palace and park at Peterhof are sometimes referred to as "the Russian Versailles," however many visitors believe that the comparison understates the majesty and scale of this beautiful estate.
Accommodation: Mini-Hotel «Silk Way» 3*
We left Moscow by rail at 10 p.m. yesterday and arrived in Saint Petersburg at 6 a.m. today. 
We arrived in Saint Petersburg train station at 6 a.m. today. 
We arrived in Saint Petersburg train station at 6 a.m. today. 
Maria, our local guide, was at the St Petersburg train station and eager to help us.
Maria, our local guide, was ready to help us board a rental bus and get to a 24-hour cafe near the famous St Kazan Cathedral for an early breakfast.
Ploschad Vosstaniya metro station in Saint Petersburg.
Beloselsky Belozersky Palace is a Neo-Baroque palace located near the Fontanka River and Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Oktiabrskaya Hotel in Saint Petersburg.
National Library of Russia, Saint Petersburg
Building in Saint Petersburg.
Shopping center at Sadovaya Street 34, St Petersburg.
At the corner of Sadovaya and Gorokhovaya streets, there is an architecturally interesting three-story yellow building No.38/45, whose facades spread along these streets for about 100 m. According to history, Savva Yakovlevich Yakovlev (Sobakin), a 1st guild merchant, erected this huge corner mansion on his land plot (probably 1756). 
Griboyedov canal with some Historical buildings of St. Petersburg, Russia.
Griboyedov canal with some Historical buildings of St. Petersburg, Russia.
Maria spent time telling us about the history of her town and country.
Kazan Cathedral, commonly known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, is a Russian Orthodox Church cathedral located on Nevsky Prospekt in St Petersburg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, one of Russia's most adored icons.
Kazan Cathedral, built in the early 1800s to replicate the Vatican's Basilica of St. Peter, this huge cathedral served as a memorial to Russia's triumph over Napoleon in the War of 1812 and is now home to the Museum of Religion.
Kazan Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan in St Petersburg.
Cathedral of Our Lady Kazan and statue of Mikhail Kutuzov (a legendary Russian general who defeated Napoleon and is buried within the chapel).
Monument Mikhail Kutuzov and the Singer building in Saint Petersburg. 
The Singer building on Nevsky Prospect in St Petersburg, which currently houses a fantastic bookshop. It was built in 1904 as the Singer Sewing Machine Company's headquarters.
This multi-level bookstore, was once the headquarters of the Singer Sewing Machine Company!
Buildings on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Buildings on Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg, Russia.
We had breakfast in a Chocolate Shop on Kazan Square along the Griboyedov Canal, St. Petersburg.
We had breakfast at the Chocolate Shop in St. Petersburg.
We had breakfast at the Chocolate Shop along the Griboyedov Canal in St. Petersburg.
We had breakfast at the Chocolate Shop along the Griboyedov Canal in St. Petersburg.
We had breakfast at the Chocolate Shop along the Griboyedov Canal in St. Petersburg.
The Griboyedov Canal in St. Petersburg.
The Griboedov Canal is a tiny and twisting canal that runs through the heart of St. Petersburg, connecting the Fontanka and Moyka Rivers. Although the canal is only six kilometers long, it is crossed by more than 21 bridges. The canal is also well-known as the location where anarchist rebels murdered Russian Emperor Alexander II, surely one of the most high-profile terrorist assaults of the 19th century. 
St. Petersburg's Bank Bridge is one of the world's most stunning pedestrian bridges, thanks to the magnificent golden-winged griffon statues by renowned local sculptor Pavel Sokolov. It is also the city's narrowest, measuring 1.85 meters, making it a little architectural marvel. The bridge is named after the Assignation Bank, one of Russia's earliest public banks. 
St. Petersburg's Bank Bridge is one of the world's most stunning pedestrian bridges.
On both sides of the bridge, on the pylons, there are four enormous winged lions (griffins) that act as bridge lighting as well as decorations. Each winged lion is about 2.4 meters tall.
On both sides of the bridge, on the pylons, there are four enormous winged lions (griffins) that act as bridge lighting as well as decorations. Each winged lion is about 2.4 meters tall.
The Griboedov Canal is a tiny and twisting canal that runs through the heart of St. Petersburg.
Walking back to catch the bus by the canal to Peterhof (Petrodvorets) in St. Petersburg.
The Peterhof Palace and Gardens is about 48 km from Kazan Square in St. Petersburg, where we had breakfast. From the square to Peterhof in about an hour by our rented bus. Our local guide Maria recommended that we begin with the Peterhof Lower Park, then move on to the Upper Garden, and ultimately to the Alexandria Park.
Entrance ticket to Peterhof palace and park in St. Petersburg. Our entrance passes allow us to view the gardens and palaces from the outside, which are designed in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles and are decorated with elaborate features and gilded decorations.
Peterhof Park and Gardens: The stunning parkland at Peterhof is notable for the wide range of styles represented in its design and features. Peterhof, which represents nearly two centuries of European aristocratic taste performed to the greatest standards, is like an encyclopedia of park design throughout the empire. Particularly impressive is the fact that the master landscapers and garden designers who worked on the Peterhof estate were able to create a wonderland of greenery and flowers, sweeping vistas, and ornate architectural decorations despite the harsh northern climate.
A memorial bench with a small bust statue of Alexandra Nicholaevna in the lower park of Peterhof.
The Lion Cascade is the only one of the Lower Park's four cascades that is placed on the lower terrace rather than on a slope. 
The Lion Cascade in the lower park of Peterhof.
The waterfall was given its name by two bronze lions.
The most impressive is the Large Marlin Pond, located in front of the palace (on its eastern side).
The Triton-Bell fountains are sculptures of 4 identical Triton boys standing in little ponds and holding flat bowls with tips above their heads, from which water falls in the form of water bells into fountain pools.
The statue of the goddess of Atlantis in the Lower Park in Peterhof.
On both sides of the Menagerie fountains, there are tiny green areas with walks, as well as two genre statues on high pedestals. Genre sculpture "Air" and "Earth".
The Marly Palace is one of the pavilions, the so-called small palaces, which was built by order of Peter I in 1720-1723 by the German architect-decorator Johann Friedrich Braunstein.
The Marly Palace in the Lower Park in Peterhof.
"Menagerie" fountains with jets of water rushing high provide the impression of force and grandeur.
The Golden Mountain Cascade or "Marlin Cascade," is in the Lower Park of Peterhof. It is set on the park's natural slope and is designed as a multi-stage drop, with sculptures showing sea life.
The Venus Garden or Marley Garden, is part of the Marli Palace's overall ensemble, is located on the Gulf of Finland's beach near the Marlin Pond.
The view of the Venus Garden with terraces and balustrade.
The view of the Venus Garden with terraces and balustrade.
The Gulf of Finland as seen from the upper walking terrace.
The Gulf of Finland as seen from the upper walking terrace.
The Gulf of Finland as seen from the upper walking terrace.
Walking terraces with views of the Gulf of Finland can be found on the rampart's topmost upper terrace.
Walking terraces with views of the Gulf of Finland can be found on the rampart's topmost upper terrace.
A retaining wall with balustrades extends the entire length of the Venus Garden.
The Venus Garden wall has 76 semicircular niches that run its full length.
Peterhof Hermitage sits on a moated island on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Peter the Great built the two-story Peterhof Hermitage to serve as an informal dining area for his closest colleagues.
After suffering during the German occupation, the "Hermitage" pavilion became Peterhof's first museum, opening its doors to tourists after the war in 1952.
Adam and Eve Fountains: The decor of the fountain "Eve" was finalized in 1726.
Adam and Eve Fountains: The decor of the fountain "Adam" was finalized in 1722.
The sea-facing facade of the palace overlooks a beautiful terrace with a pier and balustrade, a perfect place for summer relaxation.
The sculpture at the northern facade.
The sculpture at the northern facade.
The terrace overlooking the Gulf of Finland.
The terrace overlooking the Gulf of Finland.
The terrace overlooking the Gulf of Finland
It connects the Marine Canal into the sea.
View of the Grand Cascade above. It connects the northern front of the palace to the Marine Canal.
View of the Grand Cascade above. It connects the northern front of the palace to the Marine Canal.
The Grand Cascade, with its gilded statues and tremendous jets of water, is breathtaking. This, together with the Grand Palace, serve as the complex's focal points. The Sea Channel, one of the most significant Baroque waterworks, begins at its foot and bisects the Lower Gardens.
The Grand Cascade, the most famous fountain ensemble, extends from the Grand Palace's northern facade to the Marine Canal and includes 64 different fountains as well as nearly 200 bronze statues, bas-reliefs, and other decorations. At the center is Rastrelli's magnificent statue of Samson wrestling with a lion's jaws. 
The most renowned is the Grand Cascade, which is located immediately in front of the Peterhof Palace. It extends from the northern front of the Grand Palace to the Marine Canal. Rastrelli's enigmatic central monument of Samson battling with a lion's jaws is surrounded by over 200 bronze statues, bas-reliefs, and 64 fountains.
The most renowned is the Grand Cascade, which is located immediately in front of the Peterhof Palace. 
At the center is Rastrelli's magnificent statue of Samson wrestling with a lion's jaws. 
At the center is Rastrelli's magnificent statue of Samson wrestling with a lion's jaws. 
The Monplaisir is a small but charming summer palace constructed by Peter the Great.
The Roman Fountain in the Parterre Garden of Peterhof in Petersburg.
Walking in the garden of Peterhof in Petersburg.
Walking in the garden of Peterhof in Petersburg. Our local guide, Maria (excellent English), provides us with a detailed history of the imperial architecture and landscaping, which were inspired by renowned European palaces but with a Tsarist twist. We thought that there could be an underground escape route and further riches beneath this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
Walking in the garden of Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
Walking in the Nizhny Park garden of Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
Walking in the Nizhny Park garden of Peterhof in St. Petersburg. 
The Sun fountain in the park of Peterhof in Petersburg.
Statue of Peter the Great in the gardens of Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg, Russia.A trick fountain and it's pure fun to guess which stone triggers the nozzle.
Nizhny Park garden of Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
Nizhny Park garden of Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
Exploring the grounds of Peterhof seems like entering a magical realm of beauty and grandeur. The sheer grandeur of this historical masterpiece captivates us, whether we are meandering along the pathways lined with statues and sculptures or marveling at the synchronized water displays.
Peterhof's stunning gardens and fountains are its main attraction. Designed by renowned architects, engineers, and landscapers, the extensive gardens include perfectly groomed lawns, bright flower beds, and a network of cascading waterfalls supplied by an underground gravity pump system.
At the upper park garden at Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
At the upper park garden at Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
The Church of the Grand Palace is located in the top park garden of Peterhof in Saint Petersburg.
Exploring the grounds of Peterhof seems like entering a magical realm of beauty and grandeur. 
View of the Grand Cascade from above. It connects the palace's northern face to the Marine Canal.
View of the Grand Cascade from above. It connects the palace's northern face to the Marine Canal.
View of the Grand Cascade from above. It connects the palace's northern face to the Marine Canal.
We walked almost 10,000 steps and did not cover the entire area (the Palace spans 200 hectares), so we concentrated on the most important areas. Peter the Great commissioned the Peterhof Palace, a collection of buildings and gardens in Petergof, Saint Petersburg, in response to Louis XIV of France's Palace of Versailles. Originally intended for country dwelling in 1709, Peter the Great planned to extend the property following his visit to the French royal court in 1717, earning it the nickname "The Russian Versailles." Domenico Trezzini was the architect from 1714 to 1728, and his style laid the groundwork for the Petrine Baroque style that became popular across Saint Petersburg. The gardens were also planned in 1714 by Jean-Baptiste Alexandre Le Blond, who was most likely chosen because of his past works with Versailles landscaper André Le Nôtre. Between 1747 and 1756, Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli constructed an enlargement for Elizabeth of Russia.
After touring Peterhof's park and garden, we went to the supermarkets for lunch.
A view of St. Petersburg City.
A view of cars in St. Petersburg City.
We returned to our Mini-Hotel «Silk Way» for a rest. 
After picking up our baggage at the hotel, some of us want to bet on the weight of Ching Neng Bin's backpack. The one with the closest weight declared wins the betting collection. 
The exact weight was 9.2kg, and Chin Tai Tat won the collection money.
Some of us drank beer at the hotel's tastefully designed bar/coffeehouse.
After a rest in the hotel, we headed to another part of St Petersburg for a special dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street.
Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Wong Lai Chee at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
L-R sitting: Chin Tai Tat, Gan Choi Geok, Ng Sock Ee, Chong Ee Ee, Chew Yoon Lian. Standing: Dr Ko Wen Wu, Ching Neng Bin and Wong Lai Chee. Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
L-R: Chin Tai Tat, Gan Choi Geok, Ng Sock Ee, Ching Neng Bin, Chong Ee Ee, and Chew Yoon Lian. Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Chin Tai Tat and Gan Choi Geok at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dr Ko Wen Wu at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Wong Lai Chee at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Ching Neng Bin at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Chong Ee Ee at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Dinner at Meat_Coin Butcher & Grill on Rubinstein Street, St Petersburg.
Night view of Vladimirskiy Cathedral and Bell-tower in St Petersburg.
Night view of St Petersburg city buildings.
Night view of Radisson Royal Hotel, St. Petersburg.
Night view of St Petersburg city buildings.
Back in our hotel room, Ching Neng Bin enjoys the fruits bought by roommate Chin Tai Tat.
As of today, Ching Neng Bin's camera has 3237 photos taken and 88 videos recorded during these 25 days in Russia.
The
Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train journey in
the world. Over the course of our 11-day train trip (9,938 km), we have
witnessed the vast pine forests, impressive rivers, and undulating
plains of the Russian landscape.
Traveling from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, we pass through enchanting cities such as Khabarovsk, Chita,
Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan,
Moscow, and Saint Petersburg; each destination offers a blend of
breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures, and deep-rooted history. We are
always prepared for the remarkable adventure across Russia's vast and
varied landscape, aiming to forge memories that will last a lifetime!
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk (1st overnight train)
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1 (2nd overnight train)
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2 (3rd overnight train)
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude (4th overnight train)
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk (5th overnight train)
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk (6th overnight train)
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk (7th overnight train)
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg (8th overnight train)
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan (9th overnight train)
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow (10th overnight train)
Day22 Moscow (day 1)
Day23 Moscow (day 2)
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg (11th overnight train)
Day25 St Petersburg (day 1)
Day26 St Petersburg (day 2)
Day27 St Petersburg (day 3)
Day28 St Petersburg (day 4)
Day29 St Petersburg to Dubai
Day30 Dubai to KLIA
